Coun Linnecor said: "For the vast majority of people it is almost impossible to get a bus or trains anywhere after 11pm and before 6am.

"And yet the new Licensing Act and 24-hour supermarkets mean that even more people are working unsociable hours and with many of these on low incomes taxis are not an option. Even the existing night bus services are very expensive. "We are supposed to be moving towards a 24-hour society, yet our public transport is rooted in the past."

Security will be a major consideration as many potential passengers are put off public transport by the threat of violent attack or harassment from drunken louts.

They will also consider ideas such as cut price season tickets for night travel and running routes to popular places of out-of-hours work such as early morning markets or hospitals.

Coun Linnecor added: "We need to hear from people about their experiences of late travel and their suggestions for improvement. We will also be talking to the bus and train operators."

Anyone who wants to contribute to the inquiry can write to Coun Linnecor at the Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB or email keith.linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk